International Maritime Human Factors Conference
The maritime industry is entering a new era shaped by digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation, and the rise of smart technologies. Yet amid this rapid transformation, the human element remains at the heart of safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime operations. From decision-making and human reliability to wellbeing and organisational culture, understanding human factors is essential to building resilient maritime systems for the future.
The International Maritime Human Factors Conference (IMHFC 2026) provides a premier global platform dedicated to advancing research, dialogue, and collaboration on these critical issues. Building on the success of the International Maritime Human Factors Symposium (IMHFS), held annually since 2022, the conference marks its inaugural edition as an international academic gathering, bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and the wider maritime community.
IMHFC 2026 aims to foster the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and best practices surrounding human factors in maritime systems, with particular focus on safety, digital transformation, sustainability, governance, and operational resilience. The conference seeks to strengthen collaboration across disciplines and support the development of safer, smarter, and more human-centred maritime operations worldwide.
We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry professionals to contribute and engage in discussions across a broad range of themes, including:
- Human Factors in Maritime Design, Engineering & Operations
- Maritime Safety, Security & Human Reliability
- Digitalisation, Automation, Smart Maritime Technologies & AI/Machine Learning
- Decarbonisation, Alternative Fuels & Energy Transition
- Maritime Education, Training & Competency Development
- Maritime Law, Policy, Governance & Ethics
- Maritime Economics, Insurance & Risk Management
- Sustainable Maritime Transport & the Blue Economy
- Shipping Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain Resilience
- Cyber Security for Maritime Operations and Ports
- Information, Communication & Navigation Technologies
Attend IMHFC 2026 as we explore the future of maritime systems through the lens of human factors and work collectively towards a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced maritime industry.